Zimbabwe

Requiem Mass for our 3 Zimbabwean Novices in the UK...

We gathered as Redemptorist Confreres and lay people from Zimbabwe and closer to home, to pray for and give thanks to God for the lives of our 3 young novices who went to the Father's House on Christmas Night.

Br Edwin Chipangura 28 years old
Br Bradburne Kamundiya 31years old
Br Tariro Samusodza 23 years old

May rest in peace.

Requiescant in pace.

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Formation in Zimbabwe...

Please pray for all Redemptorists and Redemptoristines

who are in formation! Here are some of them in Zimbabwe!

CSsR & OSsR

Redemptorist Family

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Redemptorist Missionary Vocation Sunday – Zimbabwe...

November 18, 2021

Reflection submitted by Fr. Gideon Sidinga, CSsR, Novice Master

The Capitulas of the 2016 General Chapter did indeed experience a Pentecostal moment when they chose the Sexennial theme – “Witnesses of the Redeemer in solidarity for mission in a wounded world”. This theme was chosen in a world which has been injured and fragmented so much that it has led to a further degree of polarization. Everywhere, including society and the Church, we witness the cracks and the bleeding wounds of the People of God.

The coronavirus pandemic has lifted the veil that covered human vulnerability and highlighted the fragility of each one of us – and this cuts across race, colour, nationality and geographical locations. We were, and are all, affected by the rage of COVID 19.

Here in our community, some members have contracted COVID 19, while in our parishes, it has been rife. The Gospel of Mark captures the images so well when the evangelist writes, “…in those days after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, the moon will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And they will see the Son of Man coming…” (Mk 13: 24 -25). In the midst of despondency, it seems for many there is no more light; we can lose hope because that which casts light is no longer doing so.

Seven Men made Profession in Zimbabwe...MAKOROKOTO!

Six men who have just finished the Noviciate year made their First Profession alongside one man who made his Perpetual Profession for life!

The seven of the men made the vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.

Br Adam Mukabva CSsR

making his vows for life,

took the 4th Vow and Oath particular to Redemptorists,

of Perseverance.

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Br Adam Mukabva CSsR stands in the middle with the black mask -

Br Terrence Chigodora, Br Sylvester Kanjiwa, Br Elvis Tawanda Chirara,

Br Bothwell Chimhende, Br Noel Kudakwashe Makoni, and

Br Takudzwa Phillip Mandibaya CSsR

Makorokoto Brothers!

CSsR Region of Zimbabwe...

"We are happy to present you the first episode from Africa.

Our confrere, Br. Kenneth Temba would like to tell you something about the Redemptorists mission in Zimbabwe.

Look, how he and his brothers are following in the footsteps of our founder

St. Alphonsus Liguori!"

“Family mission” series is a part of the ForWorld project, led by the Redemptorists and their lay co-workers. In 2021 ForWorld offers you something to watch, listen or read (whatever you prefer) presented in 4 chapters:

- ABC of spiritual life,

- Young People,

- Men’s Catholic Church

and

- Family mission.

Each episode is available in three languages: English, Spanish and Polish.

“Family mission” series shows diversity of the service of the Redemptorists, who constitute one family on all the continents. Despite different contexts and various methods, each Redemptorist belongs to the same Jesus Christ and is to preach his plentiful Redemption!

Share our spirituality with others!

https://www.facebook.com/ForWorldcssr#

Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa CSsR - Zimbabwe...

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Read Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa CSsR message to his diocese and pray for him.

To the Priests, Religious, and the people of God in the Diocese of Chinhoyi,

I write to inform you that I tested positive to COVID-19 on the 15th of January and immediately went into isolation. I am recovering but have now to live with a new challenge of diabetes. I am grateful for your prayers, and the support of my brother Priests and Religious.

Some of our Priests and Religious in our diocese have fallen victim to this virus as well. We have had deaths due to Covid-19 in the Diocese of Mutare,(Sr Auxillia), and the Archdiocese of Harare,(brother Kandawasvika SJ and Sr Mazorodze LCBL.).
Perhaps in the days and months ahead more of us will become infected. I do urge you to wear your masks, sanitize and keep social distance. For those who will fall victim to the Corona Virus do follow the regulations and immediately self isolate.
We have prepared Saint Alberts as the referral hospital where we can get help in the time when we will need it. We have bought oxygen concentrators for those who due to the virus will struggle with breathing. We have asked Doctor Chitambo and the doctors at St Alberts to assist in cases of need. We will continue to equip our hospitals as best as we can.

Our churches will remain closed until it is safe to reopen. Be assured of my prayers as you and your families face this pandemic.

I wish you God’s protection and guidance in this difficult time.

Bishop Mupandasekwa

Back to Zimbabwe CSsR...

Read Fr Richard CSsR story...

Click in the jpeg and a PDF will appear...

Zimbabwe: Four Novices received the Redemptorist habit

(Harare, Zimbabwe) The novitiate for part of the Conference of Africa, currently used by Redemptorist units Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and Mozambique, is situated on the outskirts of Harare.

Last July the previous group of novices was professed and the new group of four arrived, two from Zimbabwe and two from Kenya.

CSsR Building work in Zimbabwe...

Work is underway at St. Gerard's Borrowdale to repair the roof before the onset of the rainy season. The project which is unbelievably expensive, began a week ago and is expected to be completed within the month. St. Gerard's church was built in 1972 under Fr. Philip Foster C.Ss.R and is the first Redemptorist Church to be constructed in Zimbabwe.

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(This article first appeared in the excellent Redemptorist publication REALITY October 2008)

There are few places more Challenging to be a Redemptorist Missionary today than Zimbabwe. In January 2008 Fr.Richard Reid C.Ss.R. began working there. He describes the profound effect it has had on his understanding of the message of Jesus and the mission of the Church

My life changed dramatically over a coffee break. With coffee in hand I was asked if I would go to Zimbabwe, and without giving it too much thought or weighing up the pros or cons, I said yes. Only after the person departed, following our three minute conversation, did I begin to think about what I had just agreed to, and then said to myself, "What have I just done?"

100_5379 As a Redemptorist I have always believed that an important part of our missionary life, of our service to the church, is a willingness to go where we are needed at a moment's notice. Until recently, this was more a theoretical response I happly gave to people when asked about our life. So, when the opportunity presented itself to put the theory to the test, how could I refuse?

Nothing in my ministry thus far had prepared me for such a major move to Southern Africa. For the last eight years I was part of the Redemptorist community in Edinburgh. Leaving Edinburgh, I moved to belguim and started a three-year study programme. I was only three months into the course when it was time to pack my bags and move further afield.

AVAILABLE FOR MISSION

When discerning my vocation the one thing that put me off joining the Redemptorists was the fact that I might end up in Africa, something I certainly didn't want. When I shared this concern with one of the priests, he told me not to worry as I would never be asked. Eighteen years later i recall that conversation as i walk in the blazing afternoon African sun. Indeed, God does have a sense of humour.

100_5416 If vowing one's life to God and the church is to mean anything, I do believe it means being ready, willing and available for mission. The early Christians had a sense of purpose and urgency about their missionary activity, even when they were met with hostile or blank stares. The world has changed beyong recognition since those days, but human nature has remained much the same; some people welcome the Christian message, some are hostile and some are just plain uninterested. Likewise, the mission of the church has not changed in all those years; the preaching of the Gospel and the introducing of people to Jesus Christ remain the primary concern.

If I didn't believe this, then the uprooting of my life and travelling thousands of miles to a country and a people I didn't know would have been nothing short of lunacy.

Fr Richard Reid C.Ss.R has now returned to the UK.